Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Last week I didn't participate in Tablescape Thursday because of birthday celebrations and a visit from my sister, here from Wisconsin. It was fun to get back to "playin' with the dishes" this week. My last tablescape was "Beach Elegant", so I decided to set the table this week as "Beach Casual".

Just for a change of pace....how would you like to watch while I build my tablescape? We'll start out with a white tablecloth I purchased last year spring/summer from Target's "Shabby Chic" line. I've placed a hammered aluminum tray as the base of my centerpiece.

This was a tray we found cleaning out my father-in-laws house before it was placed on the market. I'm sure it was fairly old, but it still had a manufacturers tag on it -- and it was made in the U.S.A. Obviously, it had never been used --- time for a debut...don't you think?

Pretty flower design etched in the center.

Love the hammered edges.

Several years ago, I was given a gift package from Bath and Bodyworks. One of those cute sets put together in a ceramic beach bucket. I filled the bucket with shells and set it on the tray.

Then I tipped the bucket on it's side with the shells "spilling" out.

Next I added a sand castle made by "Partylites" that has been on a shelf in my powder room all summer.

Still needs a little something....

...I've added a couple of sandpipers that have been decorating my mantle since Memorial Day.

I've finished off with a few more shells and this little crab who's been hanging out on my washstand all summer. There....now the centerpiece is finished.

Time to start the placesettings. There are my only new addition -- these chargers from Nell Hill I purchased a few weeks ago. They're available in these round ones or square ones. I had quite a time trying to decide which style to get --- and it took quite a bit of willpower not to get them both!

Chargers set for four.

Next, my white dishes from Big Lots last summer.

I pulled out these blue and white striped cloth napkins that I've had for ages. Instead of using a napkin ring, I pulled them through the charger handle.

We're almost there.

Blue goblets were purchased last winter from the Dollar Tree.

Just casual stainless flatware for this placesetting.

These came from a restaurant supply store about 3 years ago -- service for 12 was very affordable and the shell pattern was perfect for my beach theme.

Lastly, I fell in love with this shell pitcher last year in a local thrift store.

An overview of this table setting.

Overview of the centerpiece.

I always like to check the view of the centerpiece....

....from each setting.....

.....just to be sure that each person.....

.....has an interesting view.

And now we're at the place I usually begin each week....Welcome to my casual beach table.

Where there's a place set just for you!

I hope that you'll get the chance to visit our gracious Tablescape Thursday hostess, Susan of "Between Naps on the Porch" this week to see all the tables that have been set across blogland. You'll be sure to find one you'll love. Be sure to check back any Wednesday night to see amazing tables at her site starting between 8 and 9 in the evening and continuing through Thursday. If you get a chance to comment on a couple of your favorites, you'll make their day -- it's always so rewarding to hear from visitors who've stopped by.

Martha, YOu set a breezy beachy table. ANd thank you so much for the centerpiece tutorial. I learned so much. THe way you tipped over the bucket is genius!!! I'm tucking this post away to use when I do a centerpiece! Thank you so much!I just ordered the square chargers from Nell's Hill a few weeks ago. I love them. They will be so useful for the fall! But your's look perfect in your beach setting.Wonderful!Yvonne

Martha~This was so fun to watch you build your table. I especially like how you thought to use the handle of your table mat to hold your napkins. Were you thinking about that when you bought them? Sheila

How fun to "watch" you build the tablescape, starting with that stunning tray. You'll have to feature that again soon! I love those chargers, and it was clever to use the handles to hold the napkins. Great tablescape!

Martha-I love this. I remember my mom having some hammered aluminum. Have no idea what happened to it, but I hear it is very collectible now! I LOVE that pitcher!!! And I am surprised you could keep yourself from ordering the square chargers too :) I missed Beach Elegant so I am going to go and take a look!

Thank you for letting us watch you as you built your centerpiece! I have such a hard time with centerpieces and you made it look so easy....I love your pitcher and placemats. Thank you for sharing your beachy tablescape with us! It is so inviting!!!!

Fun to see how you created your tablescape and how nice it all turned out! Some of my relatives also own that Partylite sandcastle...hmmmm, wonder if I could borrow one or two? I really like the new chargers you bought - next time, buy 2 of each - then you don't have to decide and mix-matching is in!

Martha, great minds think alike (sorry to put your mind in a category with mine!). We both showed our table construction this week. I LOVE your chargers. I've been wanting some of those, but stop myself from buying them when I think about where I'll store them! That hammered metal tray is so pretty. How great that it came from you f-i-l's house. I wish I lived close to a good restaurant supply store. Their prices are always so reasonable, and their merchandise is so sturdy. Love that flatware. Your centerpiece is delightful, and that shell pitcher is gorgeous! laurie

About Me

I am a wife of 35 years, mother of two grown children. and grandmother to 4 adorable grandgirls. I love crafting, tablescaping, decorating -- but am probably not terribly talented at any of these. That doesn't stop me however. I'm so honored that anyone chooses to visit me -- I hope you find this blogspot to be a welcoming spot to visit -- come on in and stay awhile -- let's have a nice chat.